GILGIT: Tragedy struck near Rondo Malupa in Skardu on Sunday afternoon as a landslide buried a vehicle, claiming the lives of five individuals.
As per details the ill-fated vehicle, en route from Skardu to Shangus, was engulfed by a massive landslide, leaving no time for escape. Rescue officials described the incident as “horrific,” with the vehicle completely swept away under the debris.
Despite the swift dispatch of rescue teams, all five occupants were confirmed dead, and their identities remain undisclosed. The incident highlights growing concerns about inadequate infrastructure and poor planning in the Gilgit-Skardu region, where landslides are a recurring hazard.
Rising Vulnerability in a Climate-Hit Region
Pakistan, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable countries, has faced extreme weather patterns exacerbated by inadequate development measures. The region recorded its wettest April this year since 1961, with torrential rains causing widespread destruction, including landslides and flash floods.
In May, heavy rain and snow triggered multiple landslides, stranding thousands on the Karakoram Highway at Basari and Lotter in Kohistan. Communication outages and blocked highways have become the norm in Gilgit-Baltistan due to untimely snowfall and relentless rainfall.
In August, similar disasters wreaked havoc in Astore’s villages, where landslides destroyed infrastructure and claimed the lives of two children.
Infrastructural Concerns in the Spotlight
While climate change is a significant factor, experts argue that the region’s infrastructure amplifies the devastation caused by natural calamities. Faulty road development, deforestation, and a lack of proper drainage systems have turned Gilgit-Baltistan into a disaster-prone area.
Local residents and environmentalists have long called for sustainable development practices to mitigate the impact of climate change in these fragile mountain terrains. Without addressing these underlying issues, the loss of lives and property will likely continue.
A Broader Warning
This tragedy adds to the long list of disasters caused by erratic weather, with warnings from experts of heavier rains during future monsoon seasons. A UN official recently cautioned that approximately 200,000 people in Pakistan could be affected by upcoming monsoons, emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures.
As rescue operations wind down, the heartbreaking loss of five lives serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked development in an already climate-vulnerable region. The question remains: how many more lives must be lost before actionable change is implemented?
